“This, however, was far beyond that. These were demons organized into units, camped as humans or elves would camp, with officers, pickets, what I took to be a command tent, and those who attacked came down the hill in multiple columns, coordinated by some unseen overseer—those demons we thought to be in command were illusions.” He sat back, obviously bordering on exhaustion.

Pug was silent for a long time, then said, “We have much to discuss. But it can wait until you’re recovered from your ordeal.”

Gulamendis handed over the journal he was carrying to Pug and said, “You might find this interesting. I know I did, and I don’t understand half the things he was writing.”

“Who?”

“The author. I didn’t see his name, but there is a glyph. I have a demon-taught spell of reading languages…I suppose you do as well. I think it’s a human tongue.” He sighed. “I don’t really know what I’m thinking. He had a little tower, in which there were many books and scrolls, and he kept copious notes and journals. This was the one I found conveniently on the work desk, else I might not have noticed the information that got us to the portal we used to come here.”

“Very fortuitous,” Pug observed. “Please, if you don’t mind, find yourself downstairs to the common room and feed yourselves. Brandos’s wife, Samantha, has taken charge of the kitchen. She should have food for you. Then Jason will find you a place to sleep. I’ll have water heated for a bath.” He stood, then said, “Though where we’ll find clothing to fit you…?”

“We’ll get by,” said Laromendis. “We can wear these a while longer if we must.”

“Perhaps some robes while your clothing is washed,” suggested Pug. “In any event, please, go eat and rest and tomorrow we’ll have much more to discuss.”

The two elves left his study and Pug looked at the book handed to him by the Demon Master. He didn’t even need to open it to know who authored this work. He recognized the symbol on the binding. But to satisfy himself, he opened it and saw the glyph on the first page. “Macros,” he said softly.

Pug let out a long sigh. Did Macros live on that world and advise some alien ruler, or was this another of the man’s false leads left for him by the Trickster God?

“Kalkin!” Pug shouted. “Is this your handiwork?”

Silence was his reply.

CHAPTER 13

ANCIENT HISTORIES

Pug held up his hands.

The others in the room fell silent as he said, “We have three issues here. What the elven brothers”—he indicated a considerably cleaner, well-fed, and rested pair of Taredhel magic-users—“have brought us is important and worth investigation, as well as supporting recent observations we’ve had regarding the changes in the Demon Legion’s behavior.